Two American tourists, Liza Gatsby and Peter Jenkins, have lived in Nigeria for 36 years, after initially arriving with a 10-day visa. Their extended stay was motivated by their involvement in wildlife conservation, particularly the preservation of the rare drill monkeys in Cross River State. They founded a nonprofit organisation dedicated to the cause and have embraced Nigeria as home.

In 1988, American tourists Liza Gatsby and Peter Jenkins arrived in Nigeria on a 10-day transit visa. However, they have now spent 36 years in the country.

The tourists initially planned to stay only briefly, but were captivated by Nigeria’s opportunities in wildlife conservation.

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Inspired by the rare drill monkeys and the country’s scientific potential, they founded a nonprofit called Pandas to preserve these endangered animals in Calabar.

Gatsby and Jenkins praised Nigeria for its welcoming culture, affordable living, and natural beauty. They highlighted the warm hospitality they received from Nigerians and their deep connection to the environment.

Jenkins noted the country’s rich wildlife and natural resources, which made it an ideal place for research during the 1980s and 1990s.

They explained that Calabar was chosen for their conservation efforts because it was one of the few places where drill monkeys thrived, alongside Cameroon.

Working closely with local communities, they made the area habitable for both the endangered species and future research.

Reflecting on their time in Nigeria, they expressed concern over the neglect of the country’s cultural heritage. Gatsby emphasised the lack of patriotism and the growing disregard for traditional herbs and local healing practices.

She criticised the reliance on imported remedies, calling for a revival of Nigeria’s rich natural resources and cultural pride.

The couple remains committed to their mission, dedicating their lives to preserving both the wildlife and the culture of Nigeria.

You can visit the most exotic destinations in the world to experience life from a new perspective. These places invite millions of tourists every year and provide the best amenities and cuisines to help visitors expand their horizons. Solo adventurers, twin flames, and close-knit families can book tickets to these destinations to explore undiscovered paths and create memorable moments that can be cherished for a lifetime.

Take a look at the most exotic destinations that you visit from around the globe.

1- Johannesburg, South Africa

Johannesburg is known as the City of Gold, opening its doors to visitors for various activities. Many international events like the FIFA World Cup and the BRICS summit have been held in Johannesburg, making it a top destination for people.

The South African city has a large urban area that can accommodate more than 5 million citizens. It is culturally diverse, with several universities, museums, hotels, casinos, and entertainment centers built around Johannesburg. You can walk into the Johannesburg Art Gallery to view exotic pieces of art from the world’s greatest artists. It has murals from Auguste Rodin, Pablo Picasso, Gerard Sekoto, and Dante Gabriel Rossetti.

Gambling in South Africa can be loads of fun for tourists. Sun City is a holiday spot for travelers with plenty of time and money. Located in the North West Province of South Africa, Sun City is a luxury resort with a casino that has crazy time, slot machines, roulette, blackjack, and other games for pure entertainment.

Music festivals like RAMFest draw thousands of people annually to Johannesburg. Musicians including Die Antwoord, The Ocean Collective, Trivium, and Awolnation have performed in South African cities to rock the world of visitors.

2- Amalfi Coast, Italy

Amalfi Coast is an Italian holiday destination with a beautiful coastline. Lemons are grown throughout the coastline, providing a natural source of ingredients to produce limoncello liqueur. Couples can enjoy their drinks and delicious meals on Amalfi Coast for a refreshing retreat.

The picturesque landscapes of Amalfi Coast have been mentioned in literary publications from world-renowned writers such as, John Webster and John Steinbeck. Video games like Forza Motorsport 4 and Gran Turismo 4 have racing tracks based on real life locations on the Amalfi Coast.

Coastal towns like Cetara, Ravello, and Positano offer people a wider range of activities for tourists on Amalfi Coast. The hottest beach clubs in Italy can be found on the coastline, giving you a reason to stay longer on your holidays. Driving a sports car on the Amalfi Coast can breathe life into globetrotting families with a passion for travel.

3- Merida, Mexico

Merida has an amazing map that is full of historical significance. The Mexican city is the capital of Yucatan. It is one of the safest cities to visit in the whole of Americas. You can experience a high quality of life while residing in Merida. People can see the influences of Mayan culture reflected in the bustling city of Mexico.

Restaurants in Merida have the finest Mexico food on their menus. Visitors can order meals like the Poc Chuc, Papadzules, and Bul Keken for a burst of flavor and spices. The Paseo de Montejo is a historical location in Merida that you can visit for inspiration.

4- Paris, France

Paris is a global center for commerce, culture, fashion, and arts. Henri Matisse, Vincent van Gogh, and Paul Landowski are a few of the artists who were associated with Paris in the past. The French city has an exquisite display of murals and sculptures that can mesmerize visitors from all parts of the world.

Chanel, Louis Vuitton, and Dior are some of the biggest fashion brands that are located in Paris. Fashion shows are held throughout the year in Paris to unveil new collections to lure people into the city. Sporting events frequently take place in Paris, making it a training ground for young athletes to compete in international tournaments like the 2024 Olympics.

5- Santorini, Greece

Santorini can become a central location for travelers. Many media outlets like the BBC and the US News have claimed that Santorini is the best island to visit based on its spectacular views. Over 2 million tourists land in the Greek island every year to taste wine produced in Santorini. You can find subtle tones of fig and honey in the wine with each sip.

6- Antalya, Turkey

Antalya is a city that thrives on tourism. It is among the most populated cities in Turkey. You can visit Antalya in September or October to attend the Antalya Golden Orange Film Festival. It is held at the Aspendos Amphitheatre and invites over 5,000 celebrities from around the world for the event.

The Lara beach in Antalya has numerous luxury hotels. You’ll be fascinated by the sand art found in Lara beach while exploring Antalya at your leisure. Antalya also has a football club and a home stadium for sports fans.

7- Marrakech, Morocco

Marrakech is a Moroccan city located at the foothills of the Atlas Mountains. Tourists can collect valuable objects and souvenirs from the different markets or souks in the city. Once you’ve settled into Marrakech, you can take a stroll around the Menara Gardens and Agdal Gardens to catch a glimpse of olive groves.

Hot air balloons are ridden by visitors in Marrakech to adore the city from the top. Deserts and sand dunes in Marrakech can also be ventured on camels and ATVs for seasoned travelers. It is definitely one of the most exotic destinations to visit in 2024.

A search-and-rescue operation has been launched in Russia’s far-east following the disappearance of a helicopter with 22 people on board, most of them tourists.

The Mi-8T helicopter took off from a base near the Vachkazhets volcano in the Kamchatka peninsula, the emergencies ministry said on Saturday.

That area of the peninsula is a popular tourist destination, famous for its rich landscapes and active volcanoes.

Officials say the helicopter disappeared from radar shortly after take off, adding that thick fog is hampering rescuers’ efforts.

The helicopter, owned by Vityaz-Aero, was carrying out a trip to the volcano. Designed during the Soviet-era, the Mi-8 helicopter remains popular and widely used in Russia.

It disappeared from radar and crew members failed to make contact from around 16:15 (04:15 GMT), the governor of Kamchatka said. An emergencies ministry source told the state-owned news agency Tass that the crew did not report any difficulties before the disappearance.

Vladimir Solodov said it had 19 passengers and three crew members on board.

The aerial search continuing into the night but there was poor visibility.

Others have joined the search on foot, along the Bystraya River valley, along which the helicopter was supposed to move.

The mountainous Kamchatka peninsula – more than 6,000 km (3,730 miles) east of Moscow – is popular among tourists.

But there have been several air crashes over the years – two in just two months in 2021 alone.